Brown Brothers Patricia Pinot Chardonnay 2018
- 94
- $60
- Drink by: 2024-2030
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The Patricia Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fizz has established itself as one of the finest of all Aussie bubbles, perhaps unequalled on the mainland. From King Valley fruit, more specifically the Whitlands Plateau at a lofty 800 metres above sea level, the blend is 72% Pinot Noir and 28% Chardonnay. The wine spent five years on lees – remember that this is longer than the majority of champagnes. Deep yellow, with a yeasty nuttiness and attractive toasty notes, there is a hint of pears. Complexity, intensity and a compellingly seductive and supple texture are already evident. A nice line of salinity and chalk runs the length complimented by fine acidity and a lovely lingering finish. Delicious now and over the next half dozen years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
